Harmful Chemicals to stay away from
When looking for natural hair and skin care products it’s important to read the labels because not all “Natural” products are the same. Some will have the natural label, but still contain chemicals such as the ones listed below.
Parabens called Propyl, Methyl, Butyl and Ethyl are known to be highly toxic, but are used in hair products as a preservative. Parabens are known to mimic estrogen, disrupting the normal hormone functions. Parabens can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Propylene Glycol – is an ingredient in anti-freeze, which should not be used on the skin. Propylene glycol keeps products from melting in heat or freezing in the cold. It can cause allergic reactions such as hives and eczema and is also known to affect the kidneys.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)– is a harsh, caustic detergent that is very cheap and produces suds, it is used in about 90 percent of products that require foam. This chemical may be responsible for damaging the skins immune system. SLS is often a source of skin irritation such as eczema.
Mineral Oil – a cheap petroleum by product that clogs pores leaving them unable to breath. When the skin cannot breath property cell development is slowed causing premature aging. The skin is also unable to get rid of toxins.
Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl Urea are also preservative that release a toxic chemical called formaldehyde, which can cause chronic fatigue and joint pain. Other reactions may be skin allergies, headaches and sinus infections.
Triethanolamine – a chemical often used to adjust the PH in products and also works as an emulsifier and foaming agent. They are easily absorbed in to the skin and with repeated use can cause liver and kidney damage.
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